The US Army permits soldiers to have tattoos, but this permission is governed by a detailed set of strict regulations. The military maintains specific standards regarding the appearance and grooming of its personnel, including stringent rules on where body art can be placed and what content it may depict. These regulations balance individual expression with the institution’s commitment to maintaining a professional image.
Current US Army Tattoo Policy: The Basics
The foundation of the Army’s appearance standards is Army Regulation (AR) 670-1, which dictates the wear and appearance of uniforms and insignia, including body art. This regulation has undergone several significant revisions over the last decade, reflecting a broader cultural shift in the acceptance of tattoos. The current policy is considerably more permissive than previous iterations, which often imposed limits on the total number or size of tattoos. The Army has moved away from blanket prohibitions and now focuses its rules on maintaining a professional and uniform appearance, especially in visible areas. This modern approach recognizes that many qualified candidates arrive with existing body art, ensuring regulations do not unnecessarily prevent suitable individuals from joining the force.
Restricted Body Locations
The Army maintains precise restrictions on where tattoos are permitted to ensure soldiers present a neat and professional image. Tattoos remain strictly forbidden on the head and face, with the only exception being conservative, non-permanent cosmetic makeup for female soldiers.
The neck area, visible above the collar of the uniform, also has specific constraints. Soldiers may have a single tattoo on the back of the neck, provided it does not exceed two inches in any direction. Small tattoos are authorized behind each ear, but these must not be larger than one inch and cannot extend forward of the earlobe.
The hands and fingers are also subject to tight limitations. Soldiers may have one tattoo on the back of each hand, limited to a size of no more than one inch. A small, single-band ring tattoo is permitted on one finger of each hand. Tattoos are allowed between the fingers, but only if the design cannot be seen when the fingers are closed. The Army prohibits any tattoos inside the eyelids, mouth, or ears.
Prohibited Content and Imagery
The Army strictly prohibits any tattoo content that undermines good order, discipline, or the values of the service, regardless of placement. The regulation specifically targets extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist imagery and language.
Tattoos affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations, or activities are explicitly banned. This includes any symbols or artwork associated with hate groups, gangs, or organizations that advocate violence or illegal acts. The policy also disallows indecent or sexually explicit tattoos, defined as those grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or professionalism.
Tattoos that are sexist or racist are prohibited, meaning they cannot advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender, race, ethnicity, or national origin. The final determination of whether a tattoo falls into one of these prohibited categories is left to the judgment of the commanding officer.
Administrative Procedures for Tattoos
The process for addressing tattoos begins at accession, where all potential recruits must document any existing body art. Recruits provide photographs of each tattoo, along with a statement explaining the meaning of any tattoo that might be questionable or near a restricted area. This documentation is submitted during the enlistment screening phase to ensure compliance with AR 670-1 before entering the service. This step helps eliminate uncertainty about eligibility and minimizes issues during initial training.
For active duty soldiers who wish to get new tattoos, the procedure requires a proactive approach. Soldiers are encouraged to consult with their unit leadership, such as their company commander or first sergeant, before getting new ink. This consultation ensures that the planned location and content meet all current standards and prevents a later violation.
Commanders conduct periodic inspections of all soldiers’ tattoos to verify they remain within authorized limits. If a soldier is found to have a non-compliant tattoo, they are formally counseled and given a chance to have the body art removed or altered; failure to comply can lead to administrative separation.
Why the Army Updated Its Regulations
The recent liberalization of the tattoo policy was a strategic decision by Army leadership driven primarily by pragmatic concerns regarding recruitment and retention. By the early 2020s, a significant percentage of the military-eligible population had tattoos, and the previous, stricter regulations were creating unnecessary barriers to entry.
The Army recognized that overly restrictive rules were inadvertently disqualifying qualified individuals. The process of requesting waivers for tattoos in previously unauthorized areas, such as the hands and neck, was also consuming significant time and resources in the recruiting process. By relaxing the rules on size and location, the Army eliminated the need for thousands of waivers, reducing processing times for new recruits. This policy adjustment acknowledges shifting social norms and positions the service to compete more effectively for personnel.